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      11-11-2015, 12:38 PM   #1
dimcz
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Unlock 8speed transmission for towing

How to unlock the eight speed transmission for(flatbed)towing?
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      11-11-2015, 04:39 PM   #2
vstolpner
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I'm not aware that you have to do anything with the transmission for towing. It should be able to sense the added strain and downshifting when necessary.

Just make sure you don't tow too much and that your hitch is properly installed
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      11-11-2015, 10:15 PM   #3
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Should be an allen key under the pleather. Then you should be able to push into neutral. Or try to boost it with the tow truck and pop into neutral.
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      11-11-2015, 10:51 PM   #4
dimcz
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Twix View Post
Should be an allen key under the pleather. Then you should be able to push into neutral. Or try to boost it with the tow truck and pop into neutral.
No allen key for eight speed, only for six speed transmission.-
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      11-12-2015, 12:16 AM   #5
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It's under the car. There's an opening on the liner on the driver's side and you need a tool to unlock it. I'll look for the instructions.
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      11-12-2015, 02:20 AM   #6
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O.K M/Ths.-
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      11-12-2015, 10:04 AM   #7
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I recall a discussion about this somewhere on the Internet. If I remember correctly, a whole plastic panel under the car has to be removed, and then a bolt has to be tightened. Could be wrong about this, but I think I actually photocopies the instructions and placed them in the car. I'll check further.
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      11-12-2015, 10:27 AM   #8
NormB
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Found a video:
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      11-12-2015, 11:28 AM   #9
dimcz
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B. How to unlock the eight speed transmission for (flatbed) towing?

Answer: Apparently for all 8-speed auto gear boxes (sport or standard) they updated the software to release the transmission using the lever. Red tool is no longer offered in trunk tool kit ...

1: Push start button or attempt to start the car (even if it doesn't turn over, just push it down anyway)
2: Push the lever twice in to N
3: Push the lever to N and hold for 5 seconds
4: Transmission is now disengaged for 15 minutes after which it will re-lock itself.

Remember to repeat these steps BEFORE you roll the car off the flatbed!
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      11-12-2015, 12:40 PM   #10
Jump1
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dimcz View Post
B. How to unlock the eight speed transmission for (flatbed) towing?

Answer: Apparently for all 8-speed auto gear boxes (sport or standard) they updated the software to release the transmission using the lever. Red tool is no longer offered in trunk tool kit ...

1: Push start button or attempt to start the car (even if it doesn't turn over, just push it down anyway)
2: Push the lever twice in to N
3: Push the lever to N and hold for 5 seconds
4: Transmission is now disengaged for 15 minutes after which it will re-lock itself.

Remember to repeat these steps BEFORE you roll the car off the flatbed!
Yes, I saw that on an E70 forum, dependent on battery power I assume. Hope that it works on the E84. It would certainly be easier than crawling under the car. With electrical failure, I assume it's either crawl under or use a dolly under the rear end, and pick up the front.
I took a quick look under my X1 and the panel appears smaller than in the video but some tools may still be required. I couldn't see a dedicated access on the drivers side but I didn't crawl right under.

Last edited by Jump1; 11-12-2015 at 12:47 PM..
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      11-12-2015, 04:38 PM   #11
NormB
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jump1 View Post
I took a quick look under my X1 and the panel appears smaller than in the video but some tools may still be required. I couldn't see a dedicated access on the drivers side but I didn't crawl right under.
That is what I recall from the original step-by-step instructions I once found for the X1--instructions I can't seem to find anymore. The panel is much smaller than the one in the video. No dedicated access, if I remember.
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      11-12-2015, 07:38 PM   #12
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Attached are instructions for both electronically and mechanically unlocking transmission.
Attached Images
File Type: pdf Unlock transmission lock electronically.pdf (192.0 KB, 2435 views)
File Type: pdf Manually releasing parking lock.pdf (158.4 KB, 1792 views)
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      11-13-2015, 10:42 AM   #13
Jump1
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Quote:
Originally Posted by d1saster View Post
Attached are instructions for both electronically and mechanically unlocking transmission.
Good stuff! Pretty consistent with the video posted by NormB and the electronic method posted by dimcz, but a little more detail.
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      11-13-2015, 11:58 AM   #14
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Good information to have handy.
The good news is that apparently no one had to use it😀
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      11-13-2015, 12:31 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jump1 View Post
Good stuff! Pretty consistent with the video posted by NormB and the electronic method posted by dimcz, but a little more detail.
Except one critical difference that I now remember: you evidently really do need a five-sided driver to screw in that bolt on the X1.
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      11-13-2015, 01:48 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NormB View Post
Except one critical difference that I now remember: you evidently really do need a five-sided driver to screw in that bolt on the X1.
In the instructions it is stated to use Hexagon Socket which I think is allen wrench.
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      11-14-2015, 08:55 AM   #17
NormB
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Quote:
Originally Posted by d1saster View Post
In the instructions it is stated to use Hexagon Socket which I think is allen wrench.
It is a socket driver version of an allen wrench. They come in standard, numbered sizes. I have a set. BMW uses them a lot. But this does bring up an idea. I am sure a little browsing on the Internet would give one an allen wrench equivalent size to this driver. It would be slow going, but you could move that bolt up with a big allen wrench--assuming you could break the locktite like glue free initially.
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      11-15-2015, 08:28 PM   #18
Jump1
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NormB View Post
It is a socket driver version of an allen wrench. They come in standard, numbered sizes. I have a set. BMW uses them a lot. But this does bring up an idea. I am sure a little browsing on the Internet would give one an allen wrench equivalent size to this driver. It would be slow going, but you could move that bolt up with a big allen wrench--assuming you could break the locktite like glue free initially.
Both the video you posted and the .pdf file posted by d1saster indicate that it's a 5mm Allen screw. A hex socket would probably be the best option for leverage, but a 5mm Allen key should work if there is enough room and leverage available. A longer "T" handled Allen key would probably work if the nut isn't too hard to turn. Here's an example on Amazon.
http://www.amazon.ca/BikeMaster-Slid...+wrench+WRENCH

Last edited by Jump1; 11-15-2015 at 08:45 PM..
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      01-17-2021, 08:05 PM   #19
rajesh5024
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good info
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      02-11-2021, 12:13 PM   #20
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Guys, anyone had this issue,
I have a 2012 x1, the tiptronic shifter issue parking, doesn't go back to park, scanner read " ! Transmission (EGS) -Codes 1" -5130 Gear Selector Switch interface.
if you know the issue please advise.
Much appreciated,
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